Feedback: Is appreciated and cherished. This is my first HP fic I've been
brave enough to post. Let me know what you think.
A.N. 1: Obviously this is slightly AU since Sirius is still alive in this fic and it's set in the future, post-Hogwarts. Just assume that everything else in Book 5 happened with one exception: Sirius didn't die. Now that we're all clear, enjoy!
A.N. 2: You may now do the happy dance of joy. Christmas is finally here. Hopefully this chapter will revive the readers I've killed off from the suspense. :) Thanks to Emmy for pointing out my mistakes and the suggestions, which have improved this story, especially this chapter. Comments on my reviews for the last two chapters are at the bottom since it would be too lengthy to put here.
Part 5
The residents of Grimmauld Place woke early that morning with an air of anticipation. Christmas was finally here!
Hermione dressed in a set of dark red robes and pulled part of her hair back with a gold clip. The new hair potion Ginny had started making for her had tamed her hair and it wasn't nearly so frizzy. Overall the effect was rather nice. Hermione may never be a girly-girl or win any beauty contests, but she had to admit that she looked good. Her mirror thought so too and let out a wolf whistle. Hermione blushed but didn't change.
She turned away from the mirror and double-checked to be sure she had all of her gifts for everyone ready. Hermione knew she had bought all the gifts and wrapped them weeks ago, but it wouldn't do to have forgotten to pack any of them. She noticed with satisfaction that they were all there. So Hermione took out her wand and charmed them to follow her as she left the room.
She met up with Luna and Ginny in the hall. Hermione raised a brow at the sight of Ginny, who was wearing dark green robes with silver embroidery in an intricate pattern. "Nothing going on with Draco, hmm Ginny?" Hermione asked referring to the conversation they had last night after Ginny cornered her about Sirius. As planned, Hermione had turned the tables and inquired about Ginny's feelings for Draco. Ginny had claimed to be completely indifferent to Draco and his sexy smirk. Hermione had pounced on that remark until Ginny had declared that she could appreciate beauty where she saw it. She had followed that up by saying rather determinedly that it didn't mean anything and changed the subject to something they were both willing to talk about.
Hermione had known Ginny was lying to them both, but had been willing to drop it. She was still amused though at the sight of Ginny. Maybe she wouldn't have to lock Ginny and Draco into a closet after all.
Ginny raised a stubborn chin. "What?" she asked aggressively.
Then again maybe not, Hermione thought.
"Oh nothing." Hermione replied innocently.
Luna decided to help them both out. "I think she's just noticing your Slytherin attire. It's nice to be free of Hogwarts isn't it, and able to wear the colors you want?"
Ginny seized upon the out Luna offered like a final pardon to escape the Kiss. "I have always liked the color green and silver goes with anything."
Yes, that must be it, Hermione thought to herself in amusement.
Glancing at Luna it was hard to tell whether she believed Ginny or was just as amused as she was. Luna had always seemed a bit disconnected from reality and also had a rather surprising ability to not show anything she didn't want to.
Luna was wearing pale blue robes with what looked like a string of Christmas lights around the waist and hem. They twinkled merrily in a variety of colors. Her long hair fell freely and the lights made parts of it glow with different colors.
Hermione sheepishly noted that they had all made a lot of effort in their appearance just to open gifts with friends. In a way that was a blessing. No one would single Hermione out for teasing on her appearance if all three of them were dressed up. It would look like a planned effort with no real significance to it, instead of the coincidence it really was.
Down the hall doors opened and Harry and Neville emerged. Ron and Draco came down the stairs at the far end of the hall a minute later. They were all either holding or followed by presents floating after them. They joined the girls soon after.
Ron frowned in confusion. "I didn't know we were supposed to get dressed up."
Draco smirked and haughtily brushed off a non-existent piece of lint from his robes. "That's because you have no class or style, Weasley." He eyed Harry's messy hair and casual clothes with disdain. "Obviously Harry's incapable of being a good influence on your wardrobe." Draco then looked approvingly at Neville's stylish slate gray robes. "Neville's managed to acquire some taste. Looking good there, Longbottom."
Ron clasped his hands together in an exaggeratedly girlish fashion. "If I knew that style was all it would take to get you to look at me like that Draco dearest, you'd have succumbed to my charms long ago!" Ron sidled up to Draco and batted his eyes. "Say you love me and be the best Christmas gift ever!"
Harry, Ginny, and Neville were snickering loudly. Hermione and Luna were both smiling at this while Draco stepped back panicked.
He swiftly pulled Ginny in front of him to ward off Ron's attempts to get close. "Sorry Ron, but there's only one Weasley for me." He used his arm around Ginny's waist to pull her closer and kissed her cheek for emphasis.
Ginny's helpless giggles stopped abruptly. Thankfully no one but Hermione seemed to realize the cause.
Ron sighed exaggeratedly in disappointment. "A shame then. I'll just have to drown myself in presents to get over my sorrow." That said Ron started down the stairs. Ginny and Draco stepped apart rather awkwardly and followed everyone else down the stairs.
On the next floor down Percy stormed out of his room. "Fine!" he yelled. Fred and George exited after him looking satisfied with themselves.
"So pleased you'll be joining us." Fred said.
"A little holiday cheer will do you good Percy." George predicted.
Percy just snorted grumpily before pointing his wand at the door. His pile of gifts to be given whizzed through the door speedily and nearly took off the twins' heads. They jumped hastily out of the way.
Sirius' door opened and he exited looking sleepy and rumpled. "Is there a convention going on in the hallway that no one told me about?' The sleepy dazed look cleared from Sirius' eyes as he noticed everyone' attire and the large number of gifts they were holding or floating nearby. His eyes narrowed in mock irritation. "There is a convention! You guys were going to open gifts without telling me and make me wait until later."
Fred and George exchanged speculative looks and they held one of their silent twin conversations. They both nodded simultaneously. "Of course not!" Fred reassured him.
"Why we were just about to wake you once we finished motivating Percy to leave his bed," George nodded in his elder brother's direction.
"It just wouldn't be a party without you Sirius," Fred finished with a grin.
Harry knew that it wasn't the plan to have Sirius join them, but it wasn't a bad idea. He would be the last to tell anyone about what they were up to. "Hurry up and get ready. We'll wait for you here."
"Right!" Sirius raced back into his room like the hyper dog he sometimes appeared to be in his animagus form.
He soon returned and the group headed downstairs with Fred and George leading the way.
Ten minutes later they were in a rarely used room. Voices and laughter filled the air and Hermione had already used a silencing spell on the room to keep them from getting caught. While everyone was distracted George sealed the room so no one could leave by means of the door, windows, or apparation. He nodded to Fred when he was done and Fred took his cue.
He stood up and called above the noise. "Can I have your attention please?"
The noise in the room dimmed as everyone turned their attention to Fred and George who had come to stand next to him. "We haven't handed out our gifts yet. George would you please pass out the gifts?"
"Sure thing, brother mine," George replied.
Fred reached for the stack of cards on the stand next to his chair "In addition we've also decided to give you all samples of our latest product."
Everyone immediately began exchanging panicked glances. Seeing this Fred held up his hands. "Not to worry, not to worry. They're perfectly harmless," he said with a grin. "Would we play a joke on you on this most holy of days?"
"Yes you would," Ron said suspiciously.
Ginny piped up. "Of course you would. Remember the Christmas you charmed snowmen to pelt anyone who attempted to leave the house with snowballs?"
"And the Christmas," Percy pointed out, "when you spiked the eggnog to turn anyone who drank it into Santa Claus. All I could say for three hours was ho-ho-ho."
"But you have to admit the snowy white beard and belly like a bowl full of jelly was a wonderful improvement on your looks?" George laughed in remembrance of the occasion. He quickly ducked when Percy threw a curse in his direction. "Hey!" He ducked behind a chair. "There's no need for that, Percy."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "The point is, is that you could and you would prank us on Christmas."
"True." Fred conceded. "But we're not this time."
George hesitantly peeked out from behind the chair. Thankfully Percy had put his wand away. "To prove it we'll even go first."
The group exchanged skeptical nods but finally nodded their agreement. Surely they wouldn't do anything? Even if they did there was a whole room full of talented and powerful witches and wizards to wreak a bit of revenge on the twins.
Fred and George grinned inside with unholy glee. They were too smart to show it though.
Fred passed out the cards as he explained what they were. "These are greeting cards. We've decided to come out with a new line of greeting cards for the practical joker. The cards, depending on the occasion sing or recite an embarrassing, insulting, etc. message while showering down upon the person different objects. For Easter the receiver is pelted with eggs, for St. Patrick's day fairy gold with various rude pictures or messages printed upon them and so on."
At this news the group looked rather warily at their cards.
George picked up the speech. "Since you are our dearest and closest family and friends, and we wouldn't do that to you, your cards are different." George picked up their card and opened it. A gentle snowfall rained down and the card said with the twins' voices, "Happy holidays from Fred and George. We told you nothing bad would happen!"
Sighs of relief echoed around the room.
"That's a very thoughtful idea," Hermione complimented the twins.
"I wonder what happens on Valentine's Day," Ron murmured.
The twins pretended not to hear him. Ron would find out in a minute anyway. "So go ahead," Fred motioned towards the cards the group was still holding.
"Open them up," George added.
With curious looks and anticipation the group opened their cards.
To Be Continued... Mwa ha ha ha!
Just kidding. Here's the rest of the chapter...
Fred and George's voices again emerged from the cards as mistletoe appeared above their heads.
"We hope you'll have a happy Christmas. In fact we guarantee it! We've charmed these cards to bring you love Well... really just to admit it! Any crush or love you've had Whether in your past or present Will be known to all here Prepare to deal with it!"
The mistletoe exploded in a shower of green and red sparks covering everyone who had received a card. Their eyes widened.
"What did you do?" Ron called out in a panic.
"Oh nothing just a minor enhancement," Fred smoothly replied.
"Honestly Ron," Hermione cried in a shrill voice. "Didn't you listen to the message? They're going to make us admit to every crush or love we've ever had!" She looked at Sirius in panic. All around the room the group was drawing their wands and trying every spell they knew too avoid this calamity.
Nothing! It wouldn't work. They could feel the magic pushing at them, urging them to spill their guts. "The hell with this," Draco yelled. He pushed through the crowd determinedly to make his way to Fred and George.
"Time to go," George called.
"Don't worry, the spell will wear off when you've admitted everything," Fred informed them before he and Fred apparated out of the room with a loud pop.
The group made to follow but soon realized they couldn't apparate out. The door and windows were sealed shut too.
"Those prats!" Ginny spat out. "They've trapped us in here."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "I am going to make them pay for this and pay dearly."
Sirius' laughter soon filled the room. They all turned as one to stare at him incredulously. What on earth was he laughing about?
"Oh come on!" Sirius protested. "This was a prank worthy of the Marauders." Defensively he said, "It's funny."
"Idiot," Hermione muttered under her breath.
Harry reached over and smacked the back of Sirius' head.
Sirius just grinned. This was great, he only wished Remus was here to see it. He'd get just as big a kick out of it as he was.
"Maybe if we just don't say anything at all, we won't reveal anything we don't want to," Ron suggested rather desperately.
"Yes, because that will be sure to work Weasley," Draco cut in sarcastically.
Ron sighed. "I know, I wasn't convinced it would work either."
"Well we have to do something," Ginny babbled. "There's no way in hell I'm ready to admit to anything!"
Draco raised a brow. "Oh? Have something to hide do you?"
"No," Ginny laughed nervously. "Why would you think that?"
Draco stalked towards her. "Come on Ginny. Tell us who you've got a crush on."
Ginny cast about in her mind frantically for something to throw him off the track. "Harry! I've had a crush on Harry for years!"
Draco just laughed in amusement. "We've all known that Weasel. Tell us something we don't know."
Ginny darted her glance around the room for help. All she got were interested or relieved looks. Half wanted to know her answer and the rest were just happy it wasn't them on the spot. Ginny struggled to get out her next words. "No one." She gritted her teeth. "I don't-"Ginny was unable to say anything else with the weight of the magic pressing down on her forcing her to reveal everything. Crap, she thought to herself. Well if I'm going to have to do this I'll do it on my terms. I'm a gryffindor after all. I'm not afraid to do this.
She raised her chin. "Fine. I've always had a crush on Oliver Wood," she ticked the names off of her fingers as she said them. "Blaise Zabini, Neville, Professor Snape, that cute guy in the research department at the Ministry, Remus, and you Draco."
"Me?" Draco asked.
Ron was stuck a few names back though. "Snape? Snape?! That greasy git?"
Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "Oh come off it Ron. Half of the girls in Hogwarts did. He's got a sexy voice. The way he purrs his words sometimes," she trailed off and closed her eyes in remembrance.
"Hermione!" Ron screamed out horrified.
She just rolled her eyes and went to sit next to Neville who watching everything with a rather calm but interested air. Neville was the only one who hadn't flipped out just taken things with the same steady air as he took most things these days. He smiled at Hermione as she sat next to him.
Ginny and Draco were still paying attention only to each other. "That's very interesting, Weasley," Draco drawled.
"Yes, isn't it." Ginny declared archly. She turned the tables on him. "What about you, Draco? Who do you have a crush on?"
Not to be undone Draco confidently rattled off his list. "Well I've always admired Granger's intelligence, and the Patil twins have always been lookers. You know about Parkinson of course," he nodded. "Last but not least," he stepped close and slid his hand behind Ginny's neck. "I've always admired your spirit, your red hair, and your fabulous ass," he murmured before kissing her passionately.
Hermione and Neville exchanged pleased looks, while Ron covered his eyes in horror and screamed about his eyes. Percy rolled his at Ron's reaction and Luna sighed dreamily.
Things were certainly getting interesting around here.
End Part 5
Avestia: Thanks, glad you like. Percy is one of my favorite characters. I really don't think Rowling is giving us the full story on him but that's a rant best saved for later. :) Percy will never be as bad as most writers make him out to be in my fics.
Padfootz-luvr: I've taken your suggestion and allow anonymous reviews now. I hope this chapter was just as good.
Vanyaria Darkshadow: Have I mentioned how much I like multiple reviewers? Well I do. I appreciate you making the effort so often to let me know what you think.
Rane2920072: It's nice to see new readers, and you reviewed more than once! The fun is just beginning. * evil grin *
Siriusly Mione: I've heeded your words and I'm sorry I couldn't get this out sooner. I was working on other fics and there's this thing going on with my original fiction which is taking up a lot of my time. I do hope you aren't siriusly hurt and this chapter will be the cure-all needed.
Jade: I know this is later rather than sooner but it's twice as long as previous parts ended up so I hope that will make up for it.
Klear-Moonshine: All that? I made all those lists? Do you know how much of a compliment that is? THE BIGGEST!!! Ahem, it was mildly flattering. :D
glitter kitty: Thanks, I've never seen Luna and Percy anywhere either but the challenge called for unconventional pairings and I really wanted to include them. I was originally thinking of different pairings but then inspiration hit and I thought Luna/Percy, it's perfect! I doubted anyone but me would like it but I had to include it. Nice to hear I'm not the only one.
DarkLadyDragon: Thanks. I'm sort of surprised it's as funny as it is. Because no matter how much I dislike angst it keeps creeping in and turning almost all of my stories into angsty fics. I am determined that this one won't be and I'm happy to hear I'm succeeding.
slytherinrules85: I hope Gred and Forge have lived up to your expectations in this part. Thanks for reviewing.
Accio Flaming Stake Thank you! No matter how many times people say it I still like hearing it. This is the story I've gotten the most reviews for. Most of my other fics rate none or a couple so sometimes I wonder if anyone's reading my fics. Well at least until I look at the reviews for this one and I'm reassured. I've known some authors to get hundreds of reviews. It boggles the mind. So, I appreciate my few reviews all the more. :)
SatinValkyrie: I know. I've gone searching for some good ones myself and didn't find many. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. You can thank Shannon for this one. She's my beta for one of my other fics and the one who issued the challenge. I asked her if there was anything she really wanted to see, since I was writing it for her to pick up posting for her groups, and she picked SB/HG. So it's all her fault really. lol All thank yous really go to her or I'd have never even attempted writing that ship much less writing in this fandom. I have trouble thinking up any good ideas for HP myself even though I'm addicted to anything Harry Potter related. I've reread the books and seen the movies so many times I've lost count. Maybe I shouldn't have told you that...
Sim: Well yeah. Just Ron, Harry, and Neville left. I sort of ran out of ideas on who to pair them with, and I don't write slash. But if you have any ideas I'll see what I can do.
s.s.harry: Sorry it's not sooner, it wasn't even tomorrow, but three days later. I was almost done writing it though when you reviewed. Hope this longer chapter makes up for it.
A.N. 1: Obviously this is slightly AU since Sirius is still alive in this fic and it's set in the future, post-Hogwarts. Just assume that everything else in Book 5 happened with one exception: Sirius didn't die. Now that we're all clear, enjoy!
A.N. 2: You may now do the happy dance of joy. Christmas is finally here. Hopefully this chapter will revive the readers I've killed off from the suspense. :) Thanks to Emmy for pointing out my mistakes and the suggestions, which have improved this story, especially this chapter. Comments on my reviews for the last two chapters are at the bottom since it would be too lengthy to put here.
Part 5
The residents of Grimmauld Place woke early that morning with an air of anticipation. Christmas was finally here!
Hermione dressed in a set of dark red robes and pulled part of her hair back with a gold clip. The new hair potion Ginny had started making for her had tamed her hair and it wasn't nearly so frizzy. Overall the effect was rather nice. Hermione may never be a girly-girl or win any beauty contests, but she had to admit that she looked good. Her mirror thought so too and let out a wolf whistle. Hermione blushed but didn't change.
She turned away from the mirror and double-checked to be sure she had all of her gifts for everyone ready. Hermione knew she had bought all the gifts and wrapped them weeks ago, but it wouldn't do to have forgotten to pack any of them. She noticed with satisfaction that they were all there. So Hermione took out her wand and charmed them to follow her as she left the room.
She met up with Luna and Ginny in the hall. Hermione raised a brow at the sight of Ginny, who was wearing dark green robes with silver embroidery in an intricate pattern. "Nothing going on with Draco, hmm Ginny?" Hermione asked referring to the conversation they had last night after Ginny cornered her about Sirius. As planned, Hermione had turned the tables and inquired about Ginny's feelings for Draco. Ginny had claimed to be completely indifferent to Draco and his sexy smirk. Hermione had pounced on that remark until Ginny had declared that she could appreciate beauty where she saw it. She had followed that up by saying rather determinedly that it didn't mean anything and changed the subject to something they were both willing to talk about.
Hermione had known Ginny was lying to them both, but had been willing to drop it. She was still amused though at the sight of Ginny. Maybe she wouldn't have to lock Ginny and Draco into a closet after all.
Ginny raised a stubborn chin. "What?" she asked aggressively.
Then again maybe not, Hermione thought.
"Oh nothing." Hermione replied innocently.
Luna decided to help them both out. "I think she's just noticing your Slytherin attire. It's nice to be free of Hogwarts isn't it, and able to wear the colors you want?"
Ginny seized upon the out Luna offered like a final pardon to escape the Kiss. "I have always liked the color green and silver goes with anything."
Yes, that must be it, Hermione thought to herself in amusement.
Glancing at Luna it was hard to tell whether she believed Ginny or was just as amused as she was. Luna had always seemed a bit disconnected from reality and also had a rather surprising ability to not show anything she didn't want to.
Luna was wearing pale blue robes with what looked like a string of Christmas lights around the waist and hem. They twinkled merrily in a variety of colors. Her long hair fell freely and the lights made parts of it glow with different colors.
Hermione sheepishly noted that they had all made a lot of effort in their appearance just to open gifts with friends. In a way that was a blessing. No one would single Hermione out for teasing on her appearance if all three of them were dressed up. It would look like a planned effort with no real significance to it, instead of the coincidence it really was.
Down the hall doors opened and Harry and Neville emerged. Ron and Draco came down the stairs at the far end of the hall a minute later. They were all either holding or followed by presents floating after them. They joined the girls soon after.
Ron frowned in confusion. "I didn't know we were supposed to get dressed up."
Draco smirked and haughtily brushed off a non-existent piece of lint from his robes. "That's because you have no class or style, Weasley." He eyed Harry's messy hair and casual clothes with disdain. "Obviously Harry's incapable of being a good influence on your wardrobe." Draco then looked approvingly at Neville's stylish slate gray robes. "Neville's managed to acquire some taste. Looking good there, Longbottom."
Ron clasped his hands together in an exaggeratedly girlish fashion. "If I knew that style was all it would take to get you to look at me like that Draco dearest, you'd have succumbed to my charms long ago!" Ron sidled up to Draco and batted his eyes. "Say you love me and be the best Christmas gift ever!"
Harry, Ginny, and Neville were snickering loudly. Hermione and Luna were both smiling at this while Draco stepped back panicked.
He swiftly pulled Ginny in front of him to ward off Ron's attempts to get close. "Sorry Ron, but there's only one Weasley for me." He used his arm around Ginny's waist to pull her closer and kissed her cheek for emphasis.
Ginny's helpless giggles stopped abruptly. Thankfully no one but Hermione seemed to realize the cause.
Ron sighed exaggeratedly in disappointment. "A shame then. I'll just have to drown myself in presents to get over my sorrow." That said Ron started down the stairs. Ginny and Draco stepped apart rather awkwardly and followed everyone else down the stairs.
On the next floor down Percy stormed out of his room. "Fine!" he yelled. Fred and George exited after him looking satisfied with themselves.
"So pleased you'll be joining us." Fred said.
"A little holiday cheer will do you good Percy." George predicted.
Percy just snorted grumpily before pointing his wand at the door. His pile of gifts to be given whizzed through the door speedily and nearly took off the twins' heads. They jumped hastily out of the way.
Sirius' door opened and he exited looking sleepy and rumpled. "Is there a convention going on in the hallway that no one told me about?' The sleepy dazed look cleared from Sirius' eyes as he noticed everyone' attire and the large number of gifts they were holding or floating nearby. His eyes narrowed in mock irritation. "There is a convention! You guys were going to open gifts without telling me and make me wait until later."
Fred and George exchanged speculative looks and they held one of their silent twin conversations. They both nodded simultaneously. "Of course not!" Fred reassured him.
"Why we were just about to wake you once we finished motivating Percy to leave his bed," George nodded in his elder brother's direction.
"It just wouldn't be a party without you Sirius," Fred finished with a grin.
Harry knew that it wasn't the plan to have Sirius join them, but it wasn't a bad idea. He would be the last to tell anyone about what they were up to. "Hurry up and get ready. We'll wait for you here."
"Right!" Sirius raced back into his room like the hyper dog he sometimes appeared to be in his animagus form.
He soon returned and the group headed downstairs with Fred and George leading the way.
Ten minutes later they were in a rarely used room. Voices and laughter filled the air and Hermione had already used a silencing spell on the room to keep them from getting caught. While everyone was distracted George sealed the room so no one could leave by means of the door, windows, or apparation. He nodded to Fred when he was done and Fred took his cue.
He stood up and called above the noise. "Can I have your attention please?"
The noise in the room dimmed as everyone turned their attention to Fred and George who had come to stand next to him. "We haven't handed out our gifts yet. George would you please pass out the gifts?"
"Sure thing, brother mine," George replied.
Fred reached for the stack of cards on the stand next to his chair "In addition we've also decided to give you all samples of our latest product."
Everyone immediately began exchanging panicked glances. Seeing this Fred held up his hands. "Not to worry, not to worry. They're perfectly harmless," he said with a grin. "Would we play a joke on you on this most holy of days?"
"Yes you would," Ron said suspiciously.
Ginny piped up. "Of course you would. Remember the Christmas you charmed snowmen to pelt anyone who attempted to leave the house with snowballs?"
"And the Christmas," Percy pointed out, "when you spiked the eggnog to turn anyone who drank it into Santa Claus. All I could say for three hours was ho-ho-ho."
"But you have to admit the snowy white beard and belly like a bowl full of jelly was a wonderful improvement on your looks?" George laughed in remembrance of the occasion. He quickly ducked when Percy threw a curse in his direction. "Hey!" He ducked behind a chair. "There's no need for that, Percy."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "The point is, is that you could and you would prank us on Christmas."
"True." Fred conceded. "But we're not this time."
George hesitantly peeked out from behind the chair. Thankfully Percy had put his wand away. "To prove it we'll even go first."
The group exchanged skeptical nods but finally nodded their agreement. Surely they wouldn't do anything? Even if they did there was a whole room full of talented and powerful witches and wizards to wreak a bit of revenge on the twins.
Fred and George grinned inside with unholy glee. They were too smart to show it though.
Fred passed out the cards as he explained what they were. "These are greeting cards. We've decided to come out with a new line of greeting cards for the practical joker. The cards, depending on the occasion sing or recite an embarrassing, insulting, etc. message while showering down upon the person different objects. For Easter the receiver is pelted with eggs, for St. Patrick's day fairy gold with various rude pictures or messages printed upon them and so on."
At this news the group looked rather warily at their cards.
George picked up the speech. "Since you are our dearest and closest family and friends, and we wouldn't do that to you, your cards are different." George picked up their card and opened it. A gentle snowfall rained down and the card said with the twins' voices, "Happy holidays from Fred and George. We told you nothing bad would happen!"
Sighs of relief echoed around the room.
"That's a very thoughtful idea," Hermione complimented the twins.
"I wonder what happens on Valentine's Day," Ron murmured.
The twins pretended not to hear him. Ron would find out in a minute anyway. "So go ahead," Fred motioned towards the cards the group was still holding.
"Open them up," George added.
With curious looks and anticipation the group opened their cards.
To Be Continued... Mwa ha ha ha!
Just kidding. Here's the rest of the chapter...
Fred and George's voices again emerged from the cards as mistletoe appeared above their heads.
"We hope you'll have a happy Christmas. In fact we guarantee it! We've charmed these cards to bring you love Well... really just to admit it! Any crush or love you've had Whether in your past or present Will be known to all here Prepare to deal with it!"
The mistletoe exploded in a shower of green and red sparks covering everyone who had received a card. Their eyes widened.
"What did you do?" Ron called out in a panic.
"Oh nothing just a minor enhancement," Fred smoothly replied.
"Honestly Ron," Hermione cried in a shrill voice. "Didn't you listen to the message? They're going to make us admit to every crush or love we've ever had!" She looked at Sirius in panic. All around the room the group was drawing their wands and trying every spell they knew too avoid this calamity.
Nothing! It wouldn't work. They could feel the magic pushing at them, urging them to spill their guts. "The hell with this," Draco yelled. He pushed through the crowd determinedly to make his way to Fred and George.
"Time to go," George called.
"Don't worry, the spell will wear off when you've admitted everything," Fred informed them before he and Fred apparated out of the room with a loud pop.
The group made to follow but soon realized they couldn't apparate out. The door and windows were sealed shut too.
"Those prats!" Ginny spat out. "They've trapped us in here."
Draco's eyes narrowed. "I am going to make them pay for this and pay dearly."
Sirius' laughter soon filled the room. They all turned as one to stare at him incredulously. What on earth was he laughing about?
"Oh come on!" Sirius protested. "This was a prank worthy of the Marauders." Defensively he said, "It's funny."
"Idiot," Hermione muttered under her breath.
Harry reached over and smacked the back of Sirius' head.
Sirius just grinned. This was great, he only wished Remus was here to see it. He'd get just as big a kick out of it as he was.
"Maybe if we just don't say anything at all, we won't reveal anything we don't want to," Ron suggested rather desperately.
"Yes, because that will be sure to work Weasley," Draco cut in sarcastically.
Ron sighed. "I know, I wasn't convinced it would work either."
"Well we have to do something," Ginny babbled. "There's no way in hell I'm ready to admit to anything!"
Draco raised a brow. "Oh? Have something to hide do you?"
"No," Ginny laughed nervously. "Why would you think that?"
Draco stalked towards her. "Come on Ginny. Tell us who you've got a crush on."
Ginny cast about in her mind frantically for something to throw him off the track. "Harry! I've had a crush on Harry for years!"
Draco just laughed in amusement. "We've all known that Weasel. Tell us something we don't know."
Ginny darted her glance around the room for help. All she got were interested or relieved looks. Half wanted to know her answer and the rest were just happy it wasn't them on the spot. Ginny struggled to get out her next words. "No one." She gritted her teeth. "I don't-"Ginny was unable to say anything else with the weight of the magic pressing down on her forcing her to reveal everything. Crap, she thought to herself. Well if I'm going to have to do this I'll do it on my terms. I'm a gryffindor after all. I'm not afraid to do this.
She raised her chin. "Fine. I've always had a crush on Oliver Wood," she ticked the names off of her fingers as she said them. "Blaise Zabini, Neville, Professor Snape, that cute guy in the research department at the Ministry, Remus, and you Draco."
"Me?" Draco asked.
Ron was stuck a few names back though. "Snape? Snape?! That greasy git?"
Hermione sighed exasperatedly. "Oh come off it Ron. Half of the girls in Hogwarts did. He's got a sexy voice. The way he purrs his words sometimes," she trailed off and closed her eyes in remembrance.
"Hermione!" Ron screamed out horrified.
She just rolled her eyes and went to sit next to Neville who watching everything with a rather calm but interested air. Neville was the only one who hadn't flipped out just taken things with the same steady air as he took most things these days. He smiled at Hermione as she sat next to him.
Ginny and Draco were still paying attention only to each other. "That's very interesting, Weasley," Draco drawled.
"Yes, isn't it." Ginny declared archly. She turned the tables on him. "What about you, Draco? Who do you have a crush on?"
Not to be undone Draco confidently rattled off his list. "Well I've always admired Granger's intelligence, and the Patil twins have always been lookers. You know about Parkinson of course," he nodded. "Last but not least," he stepped close and slid his hand behind Ginny's neck. "I've always admired your spirit, your red hair, and your fabulous ass," he murmured before kissing her passionately.
Hermione and Neville exchanged pleased looks, while Ron covered his eyes in horror and screamed about his eyes. Percy rolled his at Ron's reaction and Luna sighed dreamily.
Things were certainly getting interesting around here.
End Part 5
Avestia: Thanks, glad you like. Percy is one of my favorite characters. I really don't think Rowling is giving us the full story on him but that's a rant best saved for later. :) Percy will never be as bad as most writers make him out to be in my fics.
Padfootz-luvr: I've taken your suggestion and allow anonymous reviews now. I hope this chapter was just as good.
Vanyaria Darkshadow: Have I mentioned how much I like multiple reviewers? Well I do. I appreciate you making the effort so often to let me know what you think.
Rane2920072: It's nice to see new readers, and you reviewed more than once! The fun is just beginning. * evil grin *
Siriusly Mione: I've heeded your words and I'm sorry I couldn't get this out sooner. I was working on other fics and there's this thing going on with my original fiction which is taking up a lot of my time. I do hope you aren't siriusly hurt and this chapter will be the cure-all needed.
Jade: I know this is later rather than sooner but it's twice as long as previous parts ended up so I hope that will make up for it.
Klear-Moonshine: All that? I made all those lists? Do you know how much of a compliment that is? THE BIGGEST!!! Ahem, it was mildly flattering. :D
glitter kitty: Thanks, I've never seen Luna and Percy anywhere either but the challenge called for unconventional pairings and I really wanted to include them. I was originally thinking of different pairings but then inspiration hit and I thought Luna/Percy, it's perfect! I doubted anyone but me would like it but I had to include it. Nice to hear I'm not the only one.
DarkLadyDragon: Thanks. I'm sort of surprised it's as funny as it is. Because no matter how much I dislike angst it keeps creeping in and turning almost all of my stories into angsty fics. I am determined that this one won't be and I'm happy to hear I'm succeeding.
slytherinrules85: I hope Gred and Forge have lived up to your expectations in this part. Thanks for reviewing.
Accio Flaming Stake Thank you! No matter how many times people say it I still like hearing it. This is the story I've gotten the most reviews for. Most of my other fics rate none or a couple so sometimes I wonder if anyone's reading my fics. Well at least until I look at the reviews for this one and I'm reassured. I've known some authors to get hundreds of reviews. It boggles the mind. So, I appreciate my few reviews all the more. :)
SatinValkyrie: I know. I've gone searching for some good ones myself and didn't find many. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right places. You can thank Shannon for this one. She's my beta for one of my other fics and the one who issued the challenge. I asked her if there was anything she really wanted to see, since I was writing it for her to pick up posting for her groups, and she picked SB/HG. So it's all her fault really. lol All thank yous really go to her or I'd have never even attempted writing that ship much less writing in this fandom. I have trouble thinking up any good ideas for HP myself even though I'm addicted to anything Harry Potter related. I've reread the books and seen the movies so many times I've lost count. Maybe I shouldn't have told you that...
Sim: Well yeah. Just Ron, Harry, and Neville left. I sort of ran out of ideas on who to pair them with, and I don't write slash. But if you have any ideas I'll see what I can do.
s.s.harry: Sorry it's not sooner, it wasn't even tomorrow, but three days later. I was almost done writing it though when you reviewed. Hope this longer chapter makes up for it.